How to use navigation apps safely on the road

We have a long way to go when it comes to balancing technology adoption in the transportation sector and nurturing habits that offer a civilized way of sharing the road, and not literally giving in to the “me first” mentality. Let’s take good advice from expert drivers who are always on the road, shall we?

Meet Darren Angeles — a seasoned Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver with over 15 years of professional driving experience. As a millennial who’s embraced the rapid evolution of technology in the transportation sector, Darren has mastered the art of using navigation apps to navigate city streets. In this interview, he shares invaluable insights on how to balance modern tech with traditional driving skills, offering practical tips and firsthand experiences that can help fellow drivers stay safe and efficient on the road.

How long have you been a professional driver? Are you a millennial or Gen Z? Is it easy for you to handle navigation apps?

“I am Darren Angeles. I have been driving professionally for 15 years. I am a millennial. As a TNVS driver, you’d have to be an expert in handling navigation apps even before heading out onto the road. During the first few days, it might be dizzying to switch between glancing at the maps and driving. But with regular use of navigation apps, it becomes second nature. The tip here is to always study the app before every trip — set the route, and take a look at the overview of direction(s) before you even start driving.”

How does the navigation app make the work of the TNVS pro driver easier? How fast were you able to get used to it?

“If you’re a TNVS driver, it’s a big help to be able to use navigation apps on your daily drive. First, it makes it easier for you, because you don’t need to memorize all the roadways in the city. With just one touch of your fingertip, you’ll know the fastest route, avoid traffic jams, and even road closures and accidents that you need to avoid.”

As a TNVS driver, how do you pull off switching glances from the navigation app to the road? How many seconds does it take?

“The safest way to use the navigation app is to make sure that you don’t take a look at the screen for too long. You must keep it between 1 to 2 seconds only, and then go back to focusing on the road.

For you to be able to do this effectively:

• Use voice guidance. Avoid always taking a look at the map, and instead listen for audio cues.

• Use a phone mount. Place the phone at eye level so you won’t need to look down or take your eyes off the road.

• Practice your peripheral vision. Once you get used to the app, it’ll be easier for you to follow the directions even with only furtive glances.”

Is there a direct benefit when using automatic versus manual transmission when focusing on the road, even with the use of a navigation app?

“Yes. There’s a huge difference between using an automatic vehicle and driving a manual transmission vehicle, especially for a TNVS driver using the navigation app.”

“In manual transmission, you often need to use the clutch to change gears, especially during traffic. In an automatic transmission vehicle, you won’t need to think about that, so focusing on the road and the navigation app is easier.

For TNVS, you’re mostly on city roads, where there’s a lot of stop-and-go traffic operating the clutch and gear stick. In an automatic vehicle, you only need to step once on the gas and brakes, so it doesn’t tire you as much and you can focus more on road safety.

Because you’re not busy switching gears, you have a faster reaction time when someone suddenly crosses the road, steps on the brake, or when you need to change routes based on the navigation app’s recommendation.

It’s really impossible not to take a look at the screen when this happens, but in an automatic vehicle, you don’t need to multitask as much. In manual, there’s this possibility to make an error with stepping on the clutch, or shifting gears while trying to understand what the navigation app is telling you.

If you’re a TNVS driver, it’s really better if you handle automatic transmission. It doesn’t just make work easier, but it increases safety and efficiency too. You’ll be able to focus on the trip, your passengers, and the navigation app without the hassle of the clutch pedal and stick shifting.”

We understand that speed is necessary to reach the quota for the day. But in your opinion, how fast should you drive to maintain safety on the road?

“As a TNVS driver, I understand that time is money — the more trips, the better take home, and the faster you reach your quota (boundary). But even though speed is important, safety is our main concern.

Follow the speed limit — this is the best way to gauge the best speed depending on which roads you’re on. Commonly, this is:

•60 kph on major roads

•40 kph on secondary roads

•20-30 on residential roads

•In expressways, depending on the laws, and even if you can reach 100 kph you should be able to stop with ease and safety when needed.

Depending on the road conditions, and even without speed limit, if it’s raining, or the roads are slippery, or if there’s high vehicle volume, you need to take it slow. Speed is meaningless if you’re going to endanger everyone on the road.

Smooth driving versus fast driving — the secret to many trips is not faster but smoother driving. If you go too fast, gas consumption will be high, and there’s bigger chances of braking abruptly or accidents even. But if you’re consistent and avoid sudden accelerations, you can save on gas, the passengers are more comfortable and trips are safer.”